Between 30% and 50% of the global population are considered introverts, according to various surveys and studies. In fact, personality tester Myers-Briggs found that nearly 57% of people prefer introversion in their 2019 MBTI® global sample. One misconception about introverts in general is that they aren't friendly. But most have deep connections, just in smaller numbers. This is one reason why dogs can be such good companions for introverts. Some breeds may be better than others, so here are 30 dog breeds for the four types of introverts.
What Is an Introvert?
An introvert is a person whose personality is characterized by introversion, meaning they are more comfortable focusing on inner thoughts than external situations. Introversion also involves turning inward to recharge, as well as being energized by solo time and drained by extroversion (such as prolonged social interactions).
Introversion vs. Shyness vs. Social Anxiety
Introversion is often believed to be the same thing as shyness or social anxiety but that isn't necessarily the case. Yes, some introverts are also shy or have social anxiety, but there are differences between the three. For starters, introversion is a personality type, while shyness and social anxiety are emotions and behaviors. People who are shy may avoid social situations because they feel awkward, uncomfortable and nervous. People with social anxiety have a fear of social situations, which often derives from the belief of their own incompetence and judgment by others. Introverts, however, may avoid social situations because it drains their energy, not because they have negative emotional reactions to social situations.
What Causes Introversion?
Although the causes of introversion and extroversion are unknown, scientists do know that the brains for each type work differently. Introverts have more blood flow to the frontal lobe, which helps with remembering, problem-solving and planning. Introvert brains also react differently to dopamine, which is involved in how the brain seeks pleasure and reward. While everyone has the same amount of dopamine, Introverts tend to feel more run down from their reward center, while extroverts become more excited.
Types of Introverts
Scientists and psychologists found that the scientific definition for introversion wasn't a one-size-fits-all term for introverts in the real world. Instead, they fell into four general categories, so scientists created these major subtypes of introverts:
- Social introverts. Social introverts value solo time but enjoy occasionally socializing, typically preferring one-on-one or in small groups in quiet settings over crowds. They still need alone time to recharge, especially after social interaction or when in a relationship.
- Thinking introverts. Thinking introverts are cognitive and intellectual, often spending time in their mind and preferring activities that involve thinking and creativity. They tend to find comfort in reading, learning, studying, creating etc. They may come off as though they're deprioritizing people but really they're occupied by their own thoughts.
- Anxious introverts. Anxious introverts prefer alone time because they find energy in that, but also because they tend to have negative reactions when around people (such as feeling shy, anxious, awkward, nervous, uncomfortable, etc.). They tend to avoid social interactions, especially when it involves a large group or unfamiliar people.
- Restrained to inhibited introverts. Restrained or inhibited introverts are often reserved, careful and methodical. They can take time to open up to people, which can make them seem guarded. But they can also come off as grounded and thoughtful, which makes people feel like they are reliable. They tend to avoid spontaneity, enjoying the familiar and engaging in predictable activities. They also can regularly take time to get going for the day, slow down or take it easy.
Scientists found introversion to be quite fluid as well. For example, introverts can be a mix of all four types and their main type may change with time or in different settings. In addition, introversion falls along a scale, with some people being more introverted than others.
What Characteristics Make A Dog Good For Introverts?
Any dog can be a great fit for an introvert because they love their people and want to spend time with them. But some dogs may be better than others, depending on what you want most. For instance, social introverts may be fine with more outgoing dogs because they are comfortable with some social interaction. Others, however, may not want the extra attention. Some introverts may want energetic and playful dogs to go running, hit the hiking trails or get lost in a game of fetch with (so they're less likely to be interrupted). Here are some characteristics of dogs that may work best for the different types of introverts:
- Social introverts - Dogs that are social and outgoing.
- Thinking introverts - Dogs that are quiet, smart, and enjoy or need consistent training or research.
- Anxious introverts - Dogs that are calm, gentle, patient, affectionate and loving as well as sensitive to emotions and people.
- Restrained to inhibited introverts - Dogs that are laid-back, easygoing, undemanding, low energy or even lazy.
1. Akita
Akitas enjoy companionship with their humans but are also somewhat independent. They show loyalty, affection and sometimes silliness to their family. They like to know where their people are due to their protective background, but are not typically clingy. Although they are loving with their family, Akitas are aloof with outsiders and strangers. They are not typically aggressive with people, but don't always get along with or like other dogs. So it's not recommended that Akitas, especially those who are not well socialized, go to dog parks and multi-dog daycare or boarding.
They also don't tend to bark much unless alerting you of something that feels off, despite their protective background. But as larger working dogs, Akitas need training and other means of channeling their energy. Training can be difficult due to their independence, stubbornness and easiness to become bored. When they are able to get out their energy, they can be quite calm. They also tend to be gentle, patient and tolerant.
✘ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
2. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are loving, loyal and friendly dogs. They are very devoted and become quite attached to their people, often showing love, affection and loyalty. They are energetic and thus require a decent amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Training is a good (if not necessary) activity for them due to their intelligence and desire to do a job. But they can be difficult to train, thanks to a stubborn and independent side. Once their energy has been channeled, they will often cuddle up next to you on the couch. They are also gentle, patient and don't tend to bark much (though they are vocal and will "talk" or howl).
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
3. Basenji
Basenjis are intelligent and independent, originally bred to be hunters that were comfortable working on their own. They tend to be aloof in general, cautious of strangers but affectionate with their people (though not clingy). Because of their origins, they need exercise and mental stimulation - otherwise boredom can lead to mischief. If they have ways to channel their energy, though, they are good at entertaining themselves (and their owners). They have a reputation for being difficult to train thanks to their intelligence and stubbornness. But patience, positive reinforcement, short training sessions and creativity can go a long way. They don't really bark but do make a distinctive yodeling sound, particularly when excited or seeking attention.
✘ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
4. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are lovable, affectionate, gentle dogs that form strong bonds with their humans. They are easygoing and not typically demanding, outside of wanting attention and affection from their people. Due to their social nature, they are prone to clinginess and separation anxiety. Their friendliness doesn't stop with their family either, as they tend to be outgoing with other people. But they'll happily take the spotlight away from you.
They are also low energy and a little lazy, so they don't need long walks and are more than happy to chill at home with their humans (or entertain you with their charm and goofiness). That being said, they are pretty adaptable, often willing to switch things up based on what you want (such as a longer walk). They are typically calm and laid-back, though some are more stubborn, which makes training a little more difficult (as does their intelligence). They are also pretty vocal, regularly howling and baying.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
5. Beagle
Beagles are social dogs that bond strongly with their people and show plenty of love and affection. They like companionship and attention, so they are prone to developing separation anxiety or bad habits (like barking or digging) if left alone too long. They are typically friendly, but some can be a little shy or reserved around strangers at first and take longer to warm up. They do need a decent amount of exercise, given their higher energy levels, and training is recommended. But they can be difficult to train because of their intelligence, so patience and positive reinforcement is needed. They have a loud, musical bark and baying that you may hear when excited, playful or their hunting instincts are activated.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
6. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are friendly dogs that tend to get along with pretty much anyone. They enjoy receiving attention and providing lots of entertainment with their charm and humorous ways. In fact, they can get upset if they don't receive enough attention. Bostons bond strongly with their people, which is no surprise since they were bred to be companions, showing great affection and devotion to them. But they can become overly attached and prone to clinginess or separation anxiety.
They are generally quiet, gentle, patient and adaptable dogs. Some are more easygoing and laid-back while others have a little more attitude and stubbornness. They are also intelligent quick-learners that tend to love of food, making them relatively easy to train. They are lively and enjoy being active, despite their small size. But because of their brachycephalic noses, they can overheat, and because of their short coats and small bodies, they can quickly become too cold. As such, short walks, indoor play sessions and winter clothing for dogs are recommended.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, friendly, easygoing, adaptable, attentive and intelligent. They love being with their humans and will adapt to their lifestyle. They can be lively, playful, energetic and active or can calm, laid-back, lazy and quiet. They enjoy relaxing with their humans as much as playing with them. They are outgoing dogs, able to get along with just about anyone. They are also typically smart, food-motivated and eager to place, all of which makes them easier to train. Many enjoy working with their owners on training, such as learning tricks or agility courses. They are not very demanding and known to be patient, tolerant and gentle.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
8. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be the smallest dog but their personalities are large. They are loyal, sympathetic and devoted to their humans, with whom they tend to form strong bonds. In fact, they often bond most to one person, which makes them a good match for people who like one-on-one time and deeper connections. They love getting attention and readily show affection, but are also needy and prone to separation anxiety as well as jealousy. They are often aloof to strangers, and may even be nervous or protective when not socialized.
Despite being considered lapdogs, Chihuahuas are somewhat active and like to play. However, they don't need extended stints of exercise given their size. Their compact stature also allows them to accompany you to a wider variety of places, which can be comforting.
Chihuahuas can be excitable and prone to barking and becoming problem barkers. They are smart, confident, quick learners who are attuned to their surroundings (another reason they may bark). Training can be more difficult, especially potty training (their small bladders don't help), so it's recommended you start early.
✘ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
9. Corgi
Corgis come in two varieties - Pembroke and Cardigan - both of which can be great dogs for introverts. They have some similarities and some differences when it comes to general temperament, making each one a better match for certain types of introversion.
Both Corgis love their humans, desire their companionship and want to be wherever they are. They are affectionate, happy and sometimes clownish. Because they were bred to be herding and farm dogs who always had jobs to do, they tend to have higher energy. So consistent and continual training, mental stimulation and physical exercise are important. But they are intelligent and quick-learners, so they tend to be easy to train. They are not the quietest of dogs though, often talking and becoming vocal when excited or seeking attention. And their large ears means they have keen hearing and they often bark to alert you of things.
In terms of their differences, Pembrokes tend to be more outgoing and Cardigans more reserved (especially in new situations, though they do warm up pretty quickly). Pembrokes are also a bit more energetic, while Cardigans are more laid-back.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
10. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are friendly, agreeable, adaptable, sensitive, easygoing, gentle and somewhat lazy. They are affectionate and devoted to their people, with a desire for human attention and companionship. They are calm with low energy and don't need much exercise, especially because they can overheat easily due to their brachycephalic noses. As such, they would rather lay in their dog bed or on the couch than take a long walk. They're also on the quiet side, more often snorting and snoring than barking. They can be charming, silly and clownish, providing a good laugh for you or anyone that meets them. They are actually smart and can be a bit stubborn, however, so patience and persistence (and some tasty treats) are needed for training.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
11. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs or Frenchies are goofy, social, low-maintenance dogs that love humans. They became full-time companion dogs by the 19th century, so their love of people is instinctive. They are loving and affectionate with their humans, as well as others, and are able to easily make friends due to their outgoing nature. Because they like consistent interaction, they can become too attached to their owners and develop separation anxiety. Some attached Frenchies will simply follow you wherever you go, while others may be more demanding or pushy.
Though it may not seem like it, Frenchies are pretty smart and, despite some stubbornness, tend to be pretty easy to train (thanks to their love of food). They also tend to be goofy, fun-loving and playful but usually not super high energy dogs. They don't need too much exercise, as they can become too hot like their larger brachycephalic counterpart, the English Bulldog.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
12. German Shepherd
German Shepherds (or GSDs) are intelligent, loyal and courageous. They tend to form deep one-on-one bonds, but will also bond strongly with their entire family. They often want to be included in whatever their people are doing and enjoy their companionship as well as attention. They are devoted, loving, gentle and affectionate to their family but can be aloof to or even cautious of strangers.
They are confident, self-assured, hard-working, curious herding dogs that like to work. As such, consistent training and activity is required. They can be easy to train due to their intelligence, willingness to learn and obedient nature. But GSDs can also be intense dogs, so consistent and continual training and socialization are recommended. They are sensitive, though, so harsh training methods can cause stress. They benefit from both physical exercise and mental stimulation, usually excelling in problem-solving challenges like brain games. Despite their high activity needs, German Shepherds do enjoy relaxing with their people.
✘ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
13. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly, affectionate, eager to please, sensitive, reliable dogs. They are quite affectionate and loving with their humans and relish receiving attention. Some may even become so attached to their humans that it turns to clinginess and separation anxiety. Goldens are not only social with their family, but are often also friendly with other people, including strangers. And although they are prone to excitability, they are also gentle and patient. Though they tend to have high energy levels, they are also often laid-back, easygoing and relatively quiet.
Goldens, like most sporting breeds, require a lot of activity due to their energy levels. If not properly exercised, a Golden can become bored and engage in undesirable behaviors. A couple hours of daily physical exercise is recommended, including long walks or hiking, short runs and swimming. Playtime, such as fetch, is a favorite activity and great way to supplement exercise. They are also smart, with research showing they can learn over 150 words and that their intelligence level is on par with a two or three year old. As such, mental stimulation and training exercises goes a long way for the breed.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
14. Great Dane
Great Danes are one of the tallest and heaviest dog breeds, standing as high as 34 inches tall and weighing up to 200 pounds. Though most well known for their size, Great Danes are friendly, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, devoted, confident and sometimes goofy. Their loyalty and size makes them good guard dogs (after all, they are part of the working group as guard dogs once upon a time). Generally, however they are quiet and gentle giants. They bond strongly with their family and enjoy giving and receiving attention and affection. In fact, Great Danes are known to lean on people, much like Rottweilers do. They may also try to be lapdogs, seeming to not know large they truly are. They can be outgoing and make friends easily, especially when properly socialized, but some can be shy and aloof to strangers.
Despite their size, these mammoths have low exercise needs and love to sleep. Adults enjoy relaxing and will spend lots of their free time trying to cuddle with you on the couch. They are intelligent - considered as smart as a three year old - with research showing they can learn up to 250 words and gestures. Their smarts, along with an easygoing, eager to please and patient temperament, make them rather easy to train.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
15. Greyhound
Greyhounds are social, devoted, sensitive, gentle, quiet, graceful and elegant. They are most well known for their speed as the fastest dog in the world, able to run up to 45 miles per hour. Despite this, they are actually quite mellow and lazy, sleeping away the day. They do need exercise in short bursts (such as sprinting) but love relaxing with their humans. In fact, many people call them the “40 mph couch potato.”
They bond strongly with their humans and are affectionate, loyal and loving. Some are more needy and clingy, while others are a little more independent and able to give space to their humans as needed. They can be outgoing and friendly, as well as aloof with strangers. They aren’t very noisy, as they don’t tend to bark much, and are adaptable enough that they can do well in apartments.
It can be difficult to train a Greyhound since they are intelligent, sometimes stubborn and avoid doing tasks they don't want to do. Early, continual and consistent positive training are recommended. Agility courses can be a great way to combine their preference for short bursts of exercise with more basic training.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
16. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are another one of the tallest dog breeds, standing up to 32 inches tall and weighing up to 155 pounds. They are sensitive, easygoing, calm, loving, loyal, patient, devoted and adaptable. They desire the companionship of their people, though may take some alone time here and there, and do best in compassionate homes. Despite being large and powerful, as well as bred to protect livestock from wolves, they are gentle giants and quite quiet (more often howling if anything). They are typically sensible with people outside the home but can be outgoing, especially with proper socialization and training. In fact, Irish Wolfhounds can act in ways that are similar to restrained or inhibited introverts.
As hunting dogs, they do enjoy some exercise and time outdoors but also love relaxing at home with their people. They are not high energy dogs and content to be lazy, but do best with moderate exercise. Their size, along with their intelligence and some stubborn hound instincts, mean frequent and consistent training is important. They are typically easy to train, though that stubbornness can make it tough to get them to do what you want rather than what they want. They are slow and thoughtful when responding to commands, which can be mistaken for stubbornness. So patience is needed, as are gentle training methods due to their sensitive nature.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
17. Keeshond
The Keeshond may not be the most well known breed of dog, but it's a friendly one. These Arctic Spitz-type dogs are related to the Norwegian Elkhound, Samoyed, Finnish Spitz and Chow Chow, among others. The breed originated between the 17th and 18th centuries as a companion, guard and rodent hunting dog on Dutch boats. But it was notorious for being a "people’s dog," as it was so attuned to humans.
As such, these dogs are friendly, loving, devoted, gentle, intelligent, sensitive, affectionate, energetic, playful, adaptable and alert. They become very attached to their humans, striving for attention and affection, and following them around wherever. Because of this, though, they are prone to clinginess and separation anxiety. Though they were once guard dogs, they are too welcoming and friendly. Their watchdog tendencies typically only manifest in barking to alert you of things near the home. They aren't typically nuisance barkers, but many do "talk."
Keeshonds are quite energetic and thus require consistent physical exercise and mental stimulation. But as one of many dogs bred for the cold, they have a thick double coat and can overheat easily, so it's best to keep any outdoor activities on the shorter side. Playtime, training sessions and other mental stimulation are decent supplements in warmer weather since Keeshonds are playful and intelligent. In fact, they are relatively easy to train thanks to this intelligence, though it also can lead them to have a mind of their own. As such, regular and consistent training can go a long way. Just make sure to keep training gentle due of their sensitive nature.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
18. Labrador retriever
Labrador Retrievers are sweet, friendly, loving, energetic, easygoing, obedient, intelligent, gentle and eager-to-please. They become very attached to their humans, enjoying giving and receiving attention and affection. Because of their affectionate and outgoing nature, they are often very warm and welcoming to others (even those they don't know). This can make social interactions easier for introverts.
Labradors are very energetic and playful, so they require plenty of activity to avoid boredom. This can include walks, playing fetch, swimming and more. (Most Labs love to swim and retrieve, which is unsurprising given their origins and instincts as bird dogs). In addition, Labs are very intelligent (they can learn up to 250 words and gestures) so they need regular mental stimulation as well. Training is a great option, especially because Labs enjoy learning and having a job to do and are eager to please. All of this makes them one of the easier breeds to train. Their energy levels, which can sustain for years and years, mean continued training is beneficial. All that being said, Labs are also laid-back and easygoing, despite their energy levels.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
19. Maltese
Malteses are small dogs with big personalities and energy. They are lively, outgoing, affectionate, playful, adaptable, intelligent, gentle and easygoing. They love people (especially their people), as well as giving and receiving affection and attention. They become very attached to their humans and want to be wherever they are. As such, they can become clingy and prone to separation anxiety.
Despite being small, Malteses are energetic and do best with a little daily exercise or mental stimulation. They enjoy romping around the yard or taking walks as much as relaxing at home and cuddling. They are also a bit noisy, often barking when bored or anxious and at unfamiliar noises. It may be difficult to train them to be quiet but continual and consistent training can help. Their intelligence and eager-to-please attitude means they are pretty easy to train. Many enjoy learning tricks and are quick learners. Some, however, can be quite stubborn and need patience, persistence and gentle training methods. They can also be difficult to potty train and train to not bark.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
20. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands or Newfies are gentle giants who are loyal, loving, social, trusting, calm, patient and sweet. In fact, their breed standard states that a "sweet temperament" is the most important characteristic. Bred to work closely with people, Newfies thrive on companionship. They form strong bonds with their family, show lots of affection and desire human attention. The latter may lead them to bark (despite being a generally quiet and calm breed) and can turn into clinginess and separation anxiety. But their love for humans doesn't stop at their family, as they are typically friendly with strangers.
Newfies are quite laid-back and even lazy, but do need some amount of activity because they were bred to work. It can be hard to convince a Newfie to workout, however. Short exercise is better for their large size and thick coat and they tend to enjoy swimming thanks to their origins. They also enjoy having a job to do so regular training, brain games or carrying items on walks can be great options. Newfies are very intelligent and easy to train, especially when starting early. Some individual Newfies can be stubborn, but patience and persistence in positive reinforcement training will get the job done. Training is also helpful because many can be goofy and not understand how large they truly are.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
21. Pit Bull
Pit Bulls are one of several misunderstood dog breeds, thanks to an unfair reputation. They are friendly, loyal, intelligent, affectionate, energetic, happy, eager to please, adaptable, confident and brave. They tend to love people, including strangers. They are loving and affectionate with their family and are notorious for their love of children. They bond strongly with their people and become very attached, often following around their owners everywhere. They are happiest with their family and don't do well when left alone for long periods of time. As such, they are prone to clinginess and separation anxiety.
Many Pit Bulls are somehow both high energy and lazy. They are energetic and athletic but also love relaxing, laying around and cuddling with their humans. Regular activity and training can go a long way to properly channel a Pit Bull's energy. They are very smart and eager to please, so they tend to be easy to train, even with some individual stubbornness. Training and socialization are recommended because of the Pit Bull's unfair reputation and strength. Despite their immense strength, they are quite gentle, easygoing and patient. They are generally not noisy but can be moderate barkers.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
22. Pekingese
Pekingese are loyal, loving, independent, confident, charming, intelligent and alert. They were bred to be companions and, as such, bond strongly with their people - and particularly one person. They are loving and affectionate with their humans but also independent and happy to spend some time on their own.
Despite being devoted to their humans, they can be wary (and even suspicious) of unfamiliar people and dogs. For this reason, socialization is recommended. These intelligent dogs are not the easiest to train, thanks to their confident and bold nature. In fact, many describe Pekingese as stubborn and having high self-esteem. Because of this, continual and consistent training is needed.
Pekingese are laid-back and low energy dogs that can fall into laziness. A such, they don't have high exercise needs, especially since their longer coats and brachycephalic noses make them sensitive to overheating. They'd rather relax with their human. They tend to be quiet and calm, not barking much unless alerting you of something that feels off.
✘ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
23. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are loving, loyal, cheerful, affectionate, confident, gentle, playful, easygoing and adaptable. They may be small but they have big personalities. They love their people and want to be with them, sometimes becoming needy but usually not clingy as they do have an independent side. They enjoy human attention and often entertain their family. Some are friendly and outgoing to unfamiliar people, while others are wary of them. Early socialization and training are recommended so they don't become suspicious or protective.
Fortunately, Pomeranians tend to be generally easy to train. They are intelligent and enjoy learning and performing tricks. They do, however, have a somewhat short attention span, so sessions should be kept shorter. Training can also help with their stubborn and dominant side, as well as their tendency to bark. This noisiness, combined with being alert and curious, makes them decent watch dogs even at their size.
Though they are playful and energetic, Pomeranians don't have high exercise needs. Because of their size, they can burn their energy with short walks, play sessions or running around inside. They are also relatively easygoing (despite having higher energy) and adaptable, happy to adjust to their people.
✘ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
24. Poodle
Poodles are smart, sensitive, loving, calm, athletic, eager to please, gentle, patient and generally outgoing. They tend to bond strongly with their people and become very attuned to them and sensitive to their emotions. However, they can become overly dependent, clingy and prone to separation anxiety. These hypoallergenic dogs are generally outgoing and friendly with people outside their family as well, but some are more reserved. Because they are hypersensitive, they can become overwhelmed with the outside world.
This hypersensitivity has earned them a reputation as neurotic or high-strung to some. But they can actually be quite easygoing, gentle, patient and calm (though they can be barkers), especially if properly exercised. As working dogs, they do have higher energy and require regular activity. They are also one of the smartest dog breeds, which can lead to stubbornness and boredom. As such, they do need a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation. They tend to like learning new tricks and tasks, as well as continual mental stimulation like brain games.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
25. Pug
Pugs are social, loving, friendly, affectionate, adaptable, even-tempered, fun-loving, playful, a little mischievous, charming and low-maintenance dogs. They were bred to be companion dogs and thus bond strongly with their people. They are very attached to their humans, so much so that they become clingy and prone to separation anxiety. They do tend to bond most closely with one person, but because they are so social and loving, they will show great affection to everyone in the family and just want to be included.
They are one of the more friendly breeds out there and enjoy receiving attention and entertaining people. They are good with other animals but are also easygoing and adaptable, able to be the only dog and live just about anywhere. However, they do better in milder climates, thanks to their brachycephalic noses. This is also why they don't require much exercise, since they are prone to overeating. As such, they enjoy walks but much prefer to stay inside and cuddle with you or play for a little while.
They are generally calm, gentle and quiet. They more often let out snorts and snores than barks (which sounds more like a yodel anyway). But they will let out their bark at times, especially when someone enters their home. They tend to be easy to train because they are observant, quick-learners that love food. But many pug owners and fanciers will say they are actually more difficult and need consistent and continual training.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
26. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is another giant dog breed, with healthy weights reaching as high as 260 pounds. But don't be fooled by their size, they are low-maintenance and easygoing gentle giants. They are also caring, loyal, patient, calm, friendly, devoted, fun-loving, tolerant and eager to please. They tend to be very affectionate with their humans and always want to be around them or included in all their activities.
Despite their size, Saint Bernards only require a moderate amount of exercise, like a long walk or play session. They were bred to work and thus enjoy having a job or task to do. They are very smart and eager to please, so they can learn basic commands relatively quickly. But consistent and continual training and socialization is recommended due to their size, strength and desire to work. They are usually quiet but will alert their humans if something feels off, as their loyalty to their family can bring out guarding instincts and turn into protectiveness.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
27. Samoyed
Samoyeds are friendly, good-natured, energetic, adaptable, easygoing, gentle, playful, adaptable and smart. They thrive on companionship, love and attention. They tend to bond strongly with their people and want to spend all their time with them. However, they are prone to clinginess and separation anxiety. If left alone for too long, they may turn to howling or digging. They also can get vocal, whining or barking, when they want attention. If that doesn't work, they may non-aggressively use their teeth or turn to even more mischievous ways. Their social nature extends beyond the family, as they tend to be friendly with just about anyone.
Samoyeds are smart and have higher energy levels, since they were bred to work. Because of all this, combined with an occasional stubborn streak, they need continual physical exercise, mental stimulation and training. Otherwise, they can get bored and become mischievous or destructive. They are relatively easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and desire to please, and thrive when given tasks to complete. And despite their thick and fluffy white fur, Samoyeds can tolerate warm weather, which is helpful for their exercise needs. This is because their coat acts as an insulator, keeping cool air close to the body (the same way it does so with heat in winter weather).
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
28. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are referred to as the most "cat-like" of dog breeds and not just because they spend time grooming themselves. They are independent, intelligent, sensitive, aloof, quiet, confident, calm, loyal and adaptable. They form strong bonds with their people (especially one or two of them) and are very loyal. They aren't known to be cuddlers but will enjoy giving and receiving affection - particularly when it's on their terms. They are independent, appreciating their alone time and personal space. This makes them a good match for people who need some time to themselves to recharge or those who work long hours. Although they aren’t the most affectionate or clingy, they are compassionate and devoted to their humans.
Shibas are aloof and even shy with strangers, so proper socialization is important. They are known to be a little more difficult to train, given their independent, stubborn and impatient side. In fact, they aren't afraid to tell you when they don't like what you're asking them to do. So consistent and continual training is needed. Fortunately, their intelligence, adaptability and attentiveness help with training.
They are active, energetic and playful, so physical exercise and mental stimulation go a long way to foster calmness at home. That being said, they are adaptable and do enjoy relaxing. Some adults have lower exercise needs, but most Shibs can adapt to a more sedentary lifestyle if properly exercised. They also don't tend to be noisy, often using a unique "Shiba Inu scream" more often than barking or whining.
✘ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✘ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: thinking introverts and anxious introverts.
29. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are friendly, affectionate, lively, even-tempered, calm, adaptable and easygoing. Bred to be companion dogs, they love spending time with their humans and getting attention from them. But because they are so attached to people, they can get separation anxiety if left alone for too long. These social dogs are very loving and affectionate, and that outgoing nature often extends to those outside the home. They will happily join you on some mild adventures. They don't have high exercise needs, though, and are prone to overheating because of their brachycephalic noses and long hair. Short walks and indoor play sessions are usually all that’s needed for the Shih Tzu. In fact, many Shih Tzus prefer to be lap dogs and can become quite lazy.
They are smart and trainable, though they can be stubborn at times despite being mostly laid-back. Because of this, patience as well as consistent and repeated training may be needed. They often enjoy learning and performing tricks, thanks to their friendliness and desire for attention. They also tend to be quiet, though barking is not uncommon - especially when their loyalty kicks in and they decide it's time to be a watchdog.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
30. Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Terriers (or Staffies) can refer to either the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) or the Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These two breeds are closely related, though AmStaffs are taller and heavier. By the mid-1800s, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier arrived in the U.S. and then breeders developed the larger AmStaff from the original Staffy. Eventually, the American Kennel Club recognized the two as separate.
In general, Staffies are loving, loyal, intelligent, sensitive, confident, affectionate, gentle, patient, brave, excitable, easygoing and good-natured. They love their humans and being part of the family, showing great affection, loyalty and devotion to them. They are sensitive and thrive on attention as well as companionship, which can lead to clinginess and separation anxiety. They also like attention from people outside of their family, as they tend to be quite friendly. In fact, they are often referred to as "nanny dogs" because of how good they tend to be with children.
They are playful, energetic and a bit noisy (though not necessarily big barkers). They can be goofy and enjoy entertaining people, as well as making them laugh. They are also known to be excitable and energetic, so they need physical exercise, mental stimulation and training. Fortunately, they are quite trainable because they are intelligent, eager to please, adaptable, quick learners that enjoy having tasks to complete. Consistent and continual training recommended due to their size and strength (and unfair reputation). Their stubborn and fun-loving side means you may need extra patience and persistence for training. But they are adaptable and can be quite laid-back and calm with enough exercise, training and attention.
✔ Social and outgoing
✔ Quiet, smart and/or enjoys or needs consistent training
✔ Calm, gentle, patient, loving, affectionate and/or sensitive
✔ Laid-back, easygoing, low energy and/or lazy
A good match for: social introverts, thinking introverts, anxious introverts and restrained or inhibited introverts.
Bonus: Rescue Dog
Rescue dogs are always a great option. There are just so many dogs available for adoption who just want their forever home and family. It may be harder to figure out their temperament or personality, especially if they're a mutt, but this can be true of any breed because all dogs are unique individuals.
One way you can learn more is by asking the staff about different rescue dogs, since they've been around them. Meet-and-greets are also helpful to get an idea of what a dog’s like and how you two interact. And once you've adopted your dog, a DNA test can help give you an idea of what breeds your mutt is, which can give you an idea of probable temperaments and characteristics. Again, though, every dog is a unique individual that can vary from the typical characteristics.
It's important to note that some rescue dogs may require extra training, depending on what they've gone through and how they behave (though that can be a plus for thinking introverts). But in general, rescue dogs tend to form extremely strong bonds with their humans, as if they know they've been saved.